chapter 36

Chapter 36: Eldest Cousin

Once the child's hands were clean, Qi Zhuo took him back into his embrace.

After a moment's hesitation, Shen He wriggled and said, "The drawing I did for Brother is the best! Truly special!" What does the sequence matter when the one for you, my dear main character, is crafted with utmost care?

Shen He saw no issue with self-praise.

Slipping out of Qi Zhuo's grasp, he searched for the drawings Lian Qiao had kept for him.

He took the topmost one and hurriedly presented it to Qi Zhuo, gazing up with anticipation, "Look, Brother!"

See how good it is!

Haven't I captured your handsome, exceptional, and noble essence perfectly?

So, let's just overlook this incident, as if nothing happened, okay?

And don't mention it to Grand Tutor Song.

Qi Zhuo accepted the drawing and unfolded it.

It was indeed well-done, bearing a strong resemblance to him and showcasing a unique style he hadn't seen before.

After observing it briefly, he placed the drawing on the small table.

Alongside the hefty bag of gold.

Shen He tilted his head with anticipation, glancing several times.

Then he was gently cradled into Qi Zhuoyun's arms.

Qi Zhuoyun positioned the child face to face with himself, seated on his knee, making him look up into his eyes.

His hand supporting the child's back, he asked, "Is that so? So, He He was the last one to draw for big brother, to hone his drawing skills?"

Not at all!

He clearly wasn't the last one to draw!

Shen He shuffled forward, out of habit from when he was younger, and tugged at Qi Zhuoyun's robe, pouting in protest, "I wasn't the last! I finished it a long time ago! I completed it days ago!"

An idea flashed in Shen He's mind, thinking he shouldn't let the main character fault him.

The best way to divert blame is to find fault with the other party!

His fair, tender face wrinkled in grievance: "Big brother hasn't visited me in so long. It was for you!"

Nonsense, he wanted to keep it a secret.

Qi Zhuoyun had known all along, but seeing the child's aggrieved expression, he couldn't help but soften.

He was just teasing him after all.

Qi Zhuoyun, using two fingers, pinched the child's pouting lips that could hang an oil bottle and apologized, "It's my fault. I've been too busy. I should have come to see He He."

Well, he didn't really need to apologize like that.

Besides, you're busy with your business, so how can you spare time for anything else?

Considering Qi Zhuoyun, who was still in his teenage years, was busy with political maneuvers, and after all that still cared for him and faced his reproach...

He leaned forward again.

The child, with his clean chubby hands, cradled Qi Zhuoyun's face and patted it, saying, "It's okay, it's okay. As long as big brother thinks of me, it's fine!"

He cheerfully said, "I think of big brother every day. When will you take me back? I've been here for so long!"

Seriously, he'd been staying at the Liu mansion for almost half a month.

Shen He realized this was his first time staying outside the East Palace for so long.

Though when living in the East Palace, the young crown prince, when busy, seldom had time for him.

But it was much easier to see him, almost every day.

Unlike outside the East Palace, where even a glimpse meant being separated by the palace walls and the royal guards.

Qi Zhuoyun paused, asking, "Is He He not comfortable living at his maternal grandfather's house? Or would he prefer to stay at the Duke's residence?"

Shen He shook his head, "It's quite nice there, but I want to go back."

He counted with his chubby fingers and said, "It's been thirteen days since I've been home!"

For some reason, Qi Zhuoyun's mood brightened even more.

Perhaps hearing the word "go back" from the child made Qi Zhuoyun feel as if the child only considered the East Palace, where they resided together, as home.

However, it will still take some time.

Not too much longer.

He looked at the child with a gentle smile, covering the little hands that held his face, saying, "It seems He He truly misses his big brother."

"Indeed!" Shen He nodded vigorously.

He thought to himself how unusual it felt not seeing each other for such a long time.

He even wondered if the main character thought he was too attached and wanted to keep him away.

His big eyes shifted, and he reached for the money pouch on the small table.

The pouch felt heavy when worn around the waist but was unnoticeable. However, as he suddenly tugged it, its weight made him lean forward.

The power of money!

Qi Zhuoyun supported the child, preventing him from toppling over due to the pouch's weight, and also helped him lift it.

The child untied the string, rummaged inside with his chubby hand, stretched his fingers as wide as they could go, grabbed a substantial amount, then extended Qi Zhuoyun's hand and poured it in.

Although the child's hand was fully stretched, the amount of gold seemed trivial in Qi Zhuoyun's hand.

Shen He glanced at it, feeling it looked somewhat insufficient.

So, he grabbed another handful and placed it into the main character's palm.

Finally, he clasped Qi Zhuoyun's fingers, making him grip the gold, and patted his arm saying, "I'll share half with big brother!"

After accepting this bribe, one shouldn't be hung up on specifics anymore.

Qi Zhuoyun clenched the gold in his hand.

He had always been the one bestowing silver upon others. Yet the child he had raised was now willing to share half of his hard-earned money with him.

He then recalled recent events within the palace.

The old Duke had sought an audience with him, informing him that in the future, the Shen Duke's residence would belong to Shen He. The Emperor's decree was already sought, and in no time, Shen He's status would be firmly established.

At that moment, Qi Zhuoyun thought that even if they didn't ask, he'd ensure Shen He would inherit the Shen Duke's residence.

But it's different.

Especially when looking at the child's endearing demeanor.

Willingly giving is different from painstakingly seizing.

It's truly distinct.

His original intention was to let the child spend more time at the Duke's residence, fostering a bond with the old Duke, hoping that they'd grow so fond of him they couldn't bear to part.

As for who inherits the Duke's residence, as long as the old Duke is resolute, his say is what truly matters.

Evidently, the old Duke now has a preference.

Their decision to send Shen He to the Duke's residence to cultivate relationships was impeccable, even faster than expected.

All thanks to the child before him.

However, because of this bond, Qi Zhuoyun now felt somewhat constrained.

Holding Shen He, he glanced at the gold in his palm, smilingly pinched the child's chubby hand, and asked, "He He wants to share half with big brother? This much? If big brother wants more, would He He be willing to give?"

He playfully nudged the child's money pouch with his fingertips.

The pouch corner featured an embroidered yellow and black tiger, with glaring eyes, looking lifelike and majestic.

This pouch, unlike others, genuinely looked imposing, and Shen He cherished it dearly.

It still held a significant amount of gold, remaining plump.

Without hesitation, Shen He used his other chubby hand to grab another handful and offered it to Qi Zhuoyun, saying, "Here!"

For this much gold, if you want it, you can have it. After all, you're the main character.

It's not like I'm heartbroken or anything.

Consider it a contribution to household expenses.

After three handfuls, Shen He's pouch finally deflated.

Glancing at his now flattened pouch, then at the small pile of gold in Qi Zhuoyun's hand, he retrieved his pouch and said, "Any more, and I'll have none left, big brother."

Please leave some for me.

Qi Zhuoyun, holding the child, laughed heartily, the laughter making his slender chest shake.

He thought to himself, the amount the child was willing to share wasn't just half, but even more.

Shen He was somewhat puzzled by the laughter.

His head was pressed down, and he struggled to lift it, trying to discern what exactly Qi Zhuoyun found so amusing.

Darn it, he's not laughing at my frugality, is he?

I worked hard for that money!

What's wrong with keeping a little for myself!

Isn't a four-year-old allowed to save a bit of his hard-earned money?

Fortunately, before the child could become annoyed by the laughter, Qi Zhuoyun, holding Shen He's arm with both hands, emptied the gold from his palm back into the pouch. The pouch once again became full and hefty.

He tucked the pouch into Shen He's embrace, saying, "Big brother will let He He keep it for now. Once He He grows up a bit more and earns even more silver, can he give it back to big brother?"

Shen He touched the now replenished money pouch with his chubby hands, his lips curving into a satisfied smile.

Keeping it is fine. As long as it's with him, it's his. Hehe.

Qi Zhuoyun lifted Shen He, moving towards the exit, "Big brother has some affairs to handle in the coming days. How about picking up He He in a few days to return to the East Palace?"

Shen He's eyes lit up as he nodded vigorously, "Sounds good! We'll visit my maternal grandparents' house again next time!"

After agreeing, Shen He quickly began to think about his cousin, the master craftsman.

Leaning on Qi Zhuoyun's shoulder, he looked over to his cousin, asking, "Big brother, can Zheng brother come and play with me in the East Palace?"

Shen He was rubbing his hands with glee internally.

At the Liu residence, they had to be extra cautious. Whenever his cousin wanted to do something, he always feared being caught red-handed by their mother.

But in the East Palace, they could act freely. What could they possibly want to do?

Maybe they could even get someone to assist them!

Of course, they shouldn't be too ostentatious. They'd start with a prototype, see if it can be realized, and then decide the next steps.

Shen He mused to himself, being only four and a half now. By the time they're teenagers, they wouldn't have to be constantly watched over by the adults at home.

Hearing his name, Liu Zheng was... silent.

He looked a bit taken aback, glancing at the prince's retreating figure, then at Shen He, who was perched on the prince's shoulder, beaming at him.

He was fond of his younger cousin but held a reverence for the palace, making him hesitant to enter.

However, seeing Shen He's cheerful demeanor, the East Palace didn't seem that intimidating.

Qi Zhuoyun easily consented to Shen He's request, "Alright, after school, if you wish to invite Young Master Liu to the East Palace, simply inform Zhong Hong..."

Qi Zhuoyun agreed so readily because he realized it was indeed a good suggestion.

If someone from the Liu family is willing to accompany the child in the palace and divert his attention, he might be able to bring him back to the palace even sooner.

Qi Zhuoyun then proposed, "Given that tomorrow seems favorable, why not let Hehe take young Master Liu to the palace after school?"

Shen He: ?

Didn't we just agree to bring him back in a few days?

And we're selecting auspicious dates from the almanac for his return?

Shen He was puzzled. Perhaps, this is the demeanor of the main male character.

Zhong Hong immediately chimed in, "Your Highness, if you are to take the young master to the Eastern Palace tomorrow, why not send some of his belongings over this evening? It would be convenient in case he stays overnight."

The head steward is truly meticulous.

Even before the crown prince fully expressed his intention, the steward was already considering young Master Liu accompanying the prince for the long haul.

This way, everyone's happy. Young Master Liu seems to like our little prince, and His Highness can see him during his free time without making special trips out of the palace.

Perfect! No issues at all.

Qi Zhuoyun also found it agreeable, saying, "You handle it."

His mood lightened. Holding the child, he gently tossed him into the air, "So, after school tomorrow, Zhong Hong will bring you to the Eastern Palace. I'll come to see you once I'm done with my duties."

They've made their decision.

It was only then that the crown prince remembered the young cousin from the Liu family standing behind.

He turned to Liu Zheng, "Would young Master Liu be willing to visit the Eastern Palace and accompany Hehe? I will inform Lord and Lady Liu."

Shen He, held by Qi Zhuoyun with his back against him, faced Liu Zheng.

The child waved at his cousin, "Will you come? Will you?"

Let's go play in the Eastern Palace!

We can do whatever we want there!

No need to be secretive!

Young Master Liu hesitated for a moment but couldn't resist the temptation. He bowed respectfully to the crown prince, "Liu Zheng shall be at Your Highness's service. I hope for your leniency."

Shen He cheered at this!

Qi Zhuoyun stayed at the Liu residence for an hour, listening to Shen He prattle on about many things, and then returned to the Eastern Palace.

Shen He, thinking that he'll be leaving tomorrow, waved without any hint of reluctance, saying cheerfully, "See you tomorrow!"

Qi Zhuoyun, smiling brightly, got into the carriage.

Carrying with him the drawing the child gave.

Once inside, he unfolded it and gazed at the artwork for quite some time.

Zhong Hong, standing nearby, commented, "The young master truly has a remarkable talent. I've never seen a drawing like this; the resemblance to Your Highness is uncanny. It's as if the figure might step out of the paper at any moment."

Qi Zhuoyun rolled it up and handed it to Zhong Hong, saying, "Keep it safe when we get back."

Zhong Hong took it, replying, "Yes, Your Highness."

With a thoughtful gaze, Qi Zhuoyun chuckled, "If Hehe doesn't top the examinations in the future, he must be pulling one over on me."

Zhong Hong laughed, "The young master is still young, a time for play and mischief."

Qi Zhuoyun grew silent, lifting a corner of the carriage curtain to watch the dimming streetscape outside.

His deep, dark eyes seemed even more profound.

In a couple of days, he'll have some free time.

……

Shen He had only stayed at the Liu residence for a short while, but most of the household had grown accustomed to having the little bundle of joy around.

The sudden news of the crown prince taking him back was met with reluctance by many.

Lord Liu held the child close as they dined together. Later, they sat in the main hall, chatting for a while.

The fourth uncle couldn't resist; he snatched the child away from his own father's embrace.

Holding him, he said to Liu Zheng, "Liu Wu is fortunate; with the crown prince's permission, he can often visit the Eastern Palace and see Shen He. But what about me?"

His dramatic sighs were evident.

Shen He also sighed, thinking, 'Enough with the act, Uncle. Your acting skills leave much to be desired.'

Patting his fourth uncle's head with his chubby hand, he consoled, "I'll visit you when I can, okay? There's no need for tears."

Fourth uncle: "?"

Fourth uncle responded, "When did I cry?"

Shen He nodded in agreement, "Yes, yes, you didn't cry."

Fourth uncle: "..."

Upon hearing their father cry, the twin dragon and phoenix became restless next to their mother. They scurried over, settling beside their father's knee, looking up at him with wide eyes.

Liu Dai reached out to lift his father's face, trying to get a better look, asking, "Why are you crying?"

Liu Dai offered her little handkerchief, cooing in a childlike voice, "Don't cry, Daddy."

Fourth Uncle Liu: "..."

He looked up, locking eyes with his eldest son, who seemed to be searching his father's face, presumably to locate the tears.

Even the grandson sitting beside the son gave a puzzled glance.

Fourth Uncle Liu's lifetime of respect was all but undone by the innocent words of his four-and-a-half-year-old nephew.

Oh, and credit goes to the two little bundles he had brought into the world as well.

Shen He, sitting in his lap, giggled.

Before everyone dispersed for rest, Lianqiao came to hug Shen He.

The eldest brother approached, playfully lifting Shen He before handing him to Lianqiao, "Remember to come play after some days, Xiao He."

Shen He nodded, a bit intrigued.

This was the first time the eldest cousin had held him.

While others flocked around to "soak up the child's aura," the eldest cousin remained unaffected.

And then there's the second cousin.

But the second cousin had shown interest, Shen He had noticed him sneaking glances.

He had thought the eldest cousin was immune to a child's charms.

Clearly, he wasn't.

After holding the child, the eldest cousin even pinched Shen He's chubby cheek with a straight face.

Then, with his back to the family, he discreetly produced a small jade pendant from his sleeve, hanging it on Shen He's waist, and withdrew his hand as if nothing happened.

The whole gesture was smooth, the demeanor unassuming.

Shen He, observant as he was, noticed that the eldest cousin seemed to have injured a finger; when hanging the pendant, a faint red scab was briefly exposed.

It would probably fall off in a few days, not noticeable unless closely examined.

Before Shen He could process it all, the eldest cousin turned and returned to his seat.

Liu Zheng spoke briefly with his grandparents and then caught up with Lianqiao, and together they headed back to their quarters.

Shen He looked down, fingers playing with the jade pendant now hanging from his waist.

The jade pendant was carved with an image of pine and cypress trees, seemingly done by an amateur, with even the carving marks left unsmoothed.

Recalling the faint scab he'd seen earlier and his eldest cousin's discreet motions that went unnoticed by others, Shen He's mind buzzed with questions.

Is this how gifts of affection are given in secret nowadays?

Or did his eldest cousin believe that such actions were unbecoming of his dignified persona?

Shen He felt he might be onto something.

He gently touched the jade pendant, chuckling silently to himself.

Who would've thought, dear cousin! So this is your hidden side!

His amusement was evident on his face, a sly grin painting his features and his eyes dancing with mischief.

His younger cousin curiously inquired, "What's got into you, Xiao He?"

Wanting to protect the eldest cousin's image, Shen He chose to remain silent.

He simply nestled into Lianqiao's shoulder, covering his mouth with his chubby hand and giggling softly.

After his chuckles, Shen He mused: It seems crafting talent might run in the family?

While the eldest cousin hadn't mastered it, the younger one clearly had!

But who might they have inherited it from?

Upon returning to their quarters, Shen He found an opportunity to whisper to his younger cousin.

Both freshly bathed and in their pajamas, they lay facing each other, holding thin blankets and drawing the bed curtains closed.

The room dimmed, with only a faint glow from an outside lantern piercing through.

The ambiance was perfect for secrets.

Shen He whispered breathily, "Big brother, in the Eastern Palace, we can do so many things without having to hide!"

His younger cousin hadn't even considered this and had been a tad upset about not having his little cousin to craft with.

At Shen He's words, his eyes brightened, glowing even in the dimness.

It was as if the soft light from outside had been captured within them.

Shen He leaned in close, cupping his mouth to amplify his voice like a megaphone, "We can even secretly bring all the things you've crafted to the Eastern Palace and store them in my chamber! This way, we won't have to worry about them being discovered!"

The child was insistent on speaking sotto voce.

It could be that he still hasn't quite mastered the volume of his babyish voice.

When he spoke, his breath was strong, brushing against Liu Zheng's ear, making him involuntarily tuck in his neck to dodge it.

His eyes sparkled brighter as he turned and embraced the soft child, mimicking the child's airy tone and cupping his hand around his lips: "Of course, thank you Xiao He!"

This suggestion gained the approval of the younger cousin, and Shen He couldn't stay still.

He struggled to sit up, drawing back the bed curtain to peek out with a round little head. Disheveled dark hair cascaded down, with some strands tousled by the curtain.

He called out, "Lian Qiao! Lian Qiao!"

Still in that breathy voice.

Lian Qiao couldn't help but laugh.

She came in from the next room, and upon seeing the child's little head, she exclaimed, "Oh dear, how did the young master end up like this?"

She reached out to smooth the child's hair, attempting to tame the electrified, frizzed strands. After two failed attempts, she gave up.

Shen He didn't care whether his hair was all over the place.

He excitedly said, "Lian Qiao, can you help brother bring his stuff to the East Palace? Let's do it quietly, without anyone knowing."

Shen He declared, "Put it in my box!"

Lian Qiao revealed a hesitant expression: "Shouldn't His Highness be informed?"

It's not easy to bring things into the East Palace without permission.

Liu, the younger cousin, overheard and his gaze dimmed at the words.

Shen He scratched his cheek, pondered for a moment, and finally asserted, "It's mine! Just tell brother it's all mine!"

He's only taking some toys back; how could the prince refuse?

Seeing Shen He's earnest expression, Lian Qiao couldn't find the words to decline.

Presumably, even if the Crown Prince were here, he'd likely agree.

So, Lian Qiao nodded resignedly, saying, "Alright, I will bring the items to the East Palace tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Liu, the younger cousin, also grew restless.

He sat up, poking his head out above the child's.

Over the small head now appeared a slightly larger one, as he said to Lian Qiao, "Thank you, Sister Lian Qiao."

Lian Qiao became even more overwhelmed, replying, "Oh, young master Liu, please don't mention it. If you open the box now, I can pack everything right away for you."

Liu Zheng was too excited to sleep.

He slid off the bed himself, slipping into his shoes, "It's alright, I'll handle it."

He went to activate the hidden latch on the floorboard.

Lian Qiao fetched a trunk for Shen He's clothing.

Shen He sat on the bed, supporting his chubby feet, and peered curiously as his young cousin packed away his things.

Good. Even though they were relocating, it didn't stop his young cousin from continuing his military precision in organizing.

After packing everything from beneath the floorboard, Shen He's trunk was only neatly filled to the bottom layer, leaving space above for half a trunk of clothes.

Silently in his heart, Shen He gave his young cousin a big thumbs up.

Impressive.